However in so far as a realistic mud, I think it would be rather fun to play this.
One idea you might consider so as to avoid the controversial issues and whatnot is to fabricate a time in history completely, and thoroughly.
Say you want a pirate theme? Pick a time in history wherein very little was happening and make up a few villain figureheads, their domains, some fanatical cultists (there always are some.. just don't name them and don't make them seem to parallel any religion), some lunatics, heretics, a few prophets, the figureheads who try to be good and just but also have a few dark secrets up their sleeve, and your players, who have to figure out what the hell is going on and who they want to side with.
Simply place the geography on scattered islands and you have pirates. Players could pick a role of an evil pirate, pillaging and all that, or a tactful good-natured piarte, who try only to take out ships of cruel nations.
That sets you up for a reputation factor, where after awhile you get a bounty on your head (whether from good or evil kingdoms), and you'll find yourself hunted by other ships.
And so on.
There's a lot to go on in so far as a realistic mud, but it's best to stay away from 'real' history, in my opinion.
|